Award-winning news pictures from the best photo journalists across the world.

Award-winning news pictures from best photo journalists across the world.

2012 World Press Photo

Nothing gets bigger than the global recognition this award brings its photojournalist winners. The winners for the annual World Press Photo competition have been announced, and The New York Times‘ Samuel Aranda has won the coveted award.  For a truly up-close-and-panoramic perspective of photo journalists of heart-stopping moments from the thousands of news items that broke over the past year, world wide, browse this images gallery winning news photographs. A picture does indeed speak a million words!

View the entire collection of winning images from the 55th World Press Photo Contest. The winners were selected from over 100,000 images submitted to the contest. And marvel at how photo journalists can keep making split-second evaluations from a region exactly between head and heart even in the most heart-rending situations to do a difficult, often dirty job, really well.

Truly, news photographers like Samuel Aranda and the thousands of photo-journalists are the people who keep poking the conscience of the world. And, of course, the unsung news desk- and photography editors of the publications that choose to showcase the best, most telling work in photo-journalism. Thank you, photo-journalists.

Shankar Mahadevan on his music, musicality and the most beautiful piece of music he has grown up to

Today, after numerous spectacularly memorable songs as a superstar singer, and a multitude of super hit film music scores as part of the top music director troika Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Shankar Mahadevan is not only going to greater professional and artistic strengths, but is also giving back to society. Through his very own music academy, and through participating in socially uniting, relevant and powerful initiatives like participating in — and leading — close to one 100000 patriotic Aurangabadkars on Republic Day-eve  to set up a Guinness World Record for the maximum number of people singing the National Anthem in unison.  Shankar — as he is fondly called by film fans as though they have known him all their lives — is constantly breaking new ground, but in a modest, self-effacing manner.

Soon after he appeared at the Aurangabad event,  we caught up with Shankar Mahadevan, who spoke about ‘the most beautiful and emotional piece of music’ he has grown up to, his musicality, his favourite singers, his past and new projects, his music academy, and participating in Lokmat Media’s unforgettable Aurangabad world record initiative.

Excerpts from the conversation:

What was the feeling like, singing with and inspiring such a massive crowd for the world record for India?

It’s unbelievable! Even in cricket matches one hasn’t seen such massive audiences. There must have been  around a lakh of people in the stadium. It was a stadium with a 45000 seating capacity, and it was jam-packed with people standing on every square-foot of the ground, in the stands… and you know what? Even though I came pretty early and — as I thought very much in time for the 8 am start — I was delayed by more than an hour, just trying to get to the stadium from the airport! The roads were packed with people, students, families, youngsters, elderly people, walking, cycling, on two-wheelers, in overcrowded public transport buses — it was awesome! I saw a really strong physical manifestation of patriotism today, and I am really glad I was there to be part of the historic day.

What was it like, singing for a non-commercial event in the service of the Nation, in front of a lakh of people?

As I just said, it was unbelievable! And there must have been at least 40-50 thousand people outside the stadium, because the gates were locked as there was no space inside. Lokmat has such a strong connect with the people and the city, and the local Radio Mirchi station was going full on to, urging people to be part of the historic day, airing special jingles, RJs doing a great job of promoting the event. I heard a lot of the radio while I was in the car, just waiting to reach the stadium! But it was truly worth it.

It was great to sing the National Anthem with other entertainers and celebrities — there was Roop Kumar Rathod with Sonali, Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson Tushar Gandhi,  Prashant Damle, Vaishali Samant, Swapnil Bandodkar, and many other singers too. Amazing experience! I still have the goose bumps just remembering it. It was a never-before experience, a really, really massive crowd! And to think that I might have ended up missing it!

How’s that?

Oh, I had an event the same day at Nasik too, but I really didn’t want to miss being in Aurangabad for the National Anthem, so I flew in on a chartered flight. Just had to be there!

You helped lead a hundred thousand people in Aurangabad in singing the National Anthem on 25th Jan. What does the National Anthem mean to you?

(Is overcome with emotion, takes a deep breath) Our National Anthem is the most beautiful and emotional piece of music I have grown up to. It is the greatest song that rules the Indian psyche! Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s Jana Gana Mana is an amazing poem, and so brilliantly composed! It is very difficult for any composition to be both, emotionally stirring and rousing, and to also induce peace. It defines our unity, it evokes fierce patriotism. Every time I hear Jana Gana Man, my mind, body and soul are enraptured! Every Indian feels the same way!  You know what? I am proud to have been at the Lokmat event in Aurangabad. And every time I go abroad, I am always fiercely proud to represent my country, sing for my country.

Wow! Now, can you tell us about your forthcoming films? What are the projects you have at hand?

Our forthcoming films are Bhag Milkha  Bhag, directed by Rakesh Mehra, and in which Farhan Akhtar is playing the young Milkha Singh. Then there’s Kamal Sir’s (Kamal Hassan’s) Vishwaroopam, Nikhil Advani’s Meherunisa and Abhishek Kapoor’s Rock On-2.

Your music for Don-2 was a great example of a well-integrated score that actually enhances and takes the story forward…

I give a lot of credit for that to Farhan, who everyone knows is both, technically and creatively, a brilliant and very focussed director,  excellent in his craft.  I think he picks a storyline and defines the creative concept, the total personality, really brilliantly, and then every technical aspect of executing the film — the musical score, the background, the videography and the film’s overall styling — works really seamlessly to turn the film into a truly ‘pure breed’  being! And Don-2 turned out to be a super-slick, really world class film in look, feel and grip. And of course, what a cast!

That’s the reason the music of the film was a slick and stylish album overall. And very different from the aural feel of your compositions for Farhan Akhtar’s early super hit Dil Chahata Hai…

Yes, they were different concepts and creative entities, remember? Again, Farhan really know what he wants. When Ehsaan, Loy and I were compositing the songs for Dil Chahata Hai, we had no interference from Farhan, but he was with us every step of the way, sharing comments and ever detailing what he wanted for each song. He loved the different sound to our music, which, let me tell you, some music company heads thought was very jingles-like! And they said that in a, well, disparaging sort of way. But we were convinced, and happily, Farhan too liked the new sound.

Ultimately, of course, a good song or composition is a mix first of tune, and then of the way you express that melody, how you dress it up, how you, to use an industry term, arrange it. So yes, like you said, the score for Don 2 was more today’s hip, stylish club music, and I am told it complemented the uber cool panache of Shah Rukh Khan’s character too.

One also hears you are working on another album of your own. Tell us a little about it.

All I can say is, it is work in progress. Let me not spoil the fun by giving out the personality and style we are using for the tracks. You should listen to them when the album arrives. But yes, the compositions, their expression and treatment, the style we are using, is definitely a coming together of all the influences and experiences we have had over the years as singers and composers, so hopefully, it will be as different as Koi Kahe as a song celebrating friendship was different from the great Yeh Dosti. Hopefully, this album will be as memorable as my first, Breathless was. Hopefully!

You yourself are an excellent singer, of course, but apart from you, who are the male and female singers you like for singing your compositions?

There are  many good singers, and we have worked with most of them. Sukhwinder Singh. Shaan too is a very good playback voice. I am also particularly fond of Sonu Nigam – he has sung some of our best compositions. He emotes the songs beautifully.

You get Sonu’s best work because you inspire the singer in him to sort of restrain the actor in him so he emotes your compositions in a controlled sort of way… is that a correct assessment?

Actually, I would put it this way: Sonu is an excellent singer and actor too, and he also has impeccable musical sense and instinct. He’s also a very good improviser because he is so natural. So all that, in my view, adds up to a phenomenal musicality that he has. That’s what helps Sonu immediately assimilate our brief about a song and its personality, and render it so flawlessly, so beautifully! And if we have multiple takes, more often than not, there’s an argument amongst ourselves on which take to keep — they’re all so good.

And what about the female singers?

Amongst the females,  Shreya Ghoshal… Sunidhi.  And for today’s songs, Alyssa too. Mahalakshmi Iyer too is a big favourite — she’s sung so many lovely songs for us — that lilting duet Chupke Se Chupke Se with Sonu for Bunty Aur Babli, Aaj Ki Raat from Don, Laung Da Lashkara for Patiala House… in fact, she has been in nearly every one of our films. So there is great talent all around, and we enjoy working with them all.

Your sons too seem to have inherited your formidable talent in and sense of music. How does that make you feel?

I feel great about it. You know, talent is fine; it is inborn, and if you are blessed with natural musical aptitude, the talent can be honed by a combination of practice, effort, education and the resultant experience. But what is really special, what leaves me absolutely awed, and pleasantly shocked, actually, is the musicality they have. The sense of music, the immensely mature appreciation of it, being sensitive to all its fine nuances… this  musicality is something that came to us after  many years of work. But in my sons’ case, even while they were in their early teens, they seem to have been blessed with a deep and rich  musicality that you wouldn’t believe would exist in such youngsters if you didn’t experience it yourself. Now this has to be God’s own way… it’s how DNA works.

Your son Siddharth is only 18, and with your 21-year-old nephew Soumil, has turned music director, and as Soumil-Siddharth, they have composed the music for Marathi film Swapna Tujhe Ni Majhe.  And you sang  a song for their film too…

Yes. They invited me as a professional playback singer, gave me the lyrics, explained the tune, its personality and context, and just made me sing it. They took no creative inputs from me to help them make the tune — it was entirely theirs. They had assembled their own group of musicians, arranged the song themselves, went through the professional studio routine with all the confidence that sound knowledge and the musicality that I spoke of, can bring. I  was really proud that day.  They also got singers like Shreya Ghoshal and Rahul Vaidya to sing for the same film.  If I’m not mistaken, they must be the youngest music director duo for films in the country. Ehsaan (Noorani) and Loy (Mendonsa) too were there to bless them. It was wonderful.

How much time does your online music academy take?

A lot, but I believe that if something interests you and is good to do, then surely you must do it really well. I just make time for the things that are close to my heart, and believe me, anything to do with music is important to me. I set up the Shankar Mahadevan Academy because there are thousands of people who love music — Hindustani, Carnatic, Devotional, Film music — and want to learn it, but don’t know where to go. Many fans and well wishers internationally had been asking me to help them learn music.

So I thought, why not make world class music education available to people online, in the comfort of their own personal spaces? That’s why I set up the academy (www.shankarmahadevanacademy.com).  I am personally and very closely involved with the process of creating material and monitoring the entire training chain.

What does your online music academy offer students?

My online music academy is a small but sincere effort to help aspiring people learn music and revel in their talent. There is a structured classical music curriculum, we have self-study Hindi Movie and Devotional songs sections, then there’s our OM  book or online music book which is central to learning. There’s also an integrated practice tool, Riyaaz, plus, of course, collaborative online virtual classes.

Today, the best thing one can gift a talented family member, relative or friend is an opportunity to learn music. And since my music academy is online, it has the potential to really grow and take our music across borders and boundaries.

One last question: Speaking on online, how active are you on the online medium. On social sites like Facebook?

You know what? Even though my friends kept telling me to get on to Facebook much before I actually did, I have no regrets. In spite of being a very late entrant, I do have around 5 lakh fans, and I love them all – they are a precious group of friends, and I enjoy being in touch with them.

My Facebook page is at www.facebook.com/shankarlive

Vidya Balan, other Bollywood directors and stars salute National Anthem World Record at Aurangabad

Several Bollywood stars, directors, music directors and singers have saluted the massive turnout and the world record at the Lokmat Media initiative in Aurangabad, where close to a lakh-and-a-half people turned up for singing the National Anthem in unison. 

Here is what Vidya Balan, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Mahesh Bhatt, Arbaaz Khan, Manoj Kumar, Farha Khan, Jackie Shroff, Anupam Kher, Sunil Shetty,  Johnny Lever, Ismail Durbar and Subhash Ghai have to say.

Actor Vidya Balan said, “Watching the video, I was amazed and delighted to see the ocean of people that had turned up to sing the national anthem to create a world record in Aurangabad. Jana Gana Mana is the pride of our Nation, and singing it is always a matter of honour for every Indian.”

“Frankly, I wasn’t aware that there was a record for singing the National Anthem, so I’d like to thank the entire Lokmat family for having played such an important role in getting this record to India. I think this initiative should be taken forward, so that crores of Indians can join it.”

Director Mahesh Bhatt said, “Today, in a day and age when patriotism has become like a commercial product, the manner in which this initiative to get  the Nation a world record has overwhelmed me — I can only describe that feeling as pure love for one’s country. From school children to people from various fields of life, the entire public, along with the teams from Lokmat, achieved what nobody had ever thought of. I feel that even if we were to keep aside any discussion on numbers, the ocean of humanity present on the occasion created not just a world record but something historical — and that day will forever remain on the pages of our history.”

Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, who is currently working on his next, much awaited film, Bhag Milkha Bhag, said, “It is a matter of great pride and honour that Lokmat arranged for this world record attempt, and that people took part in it in such large numbers. I congratulate them all.”

It will be recalled that on 25th of Jan, close to a lakh and a half people in the small town of Aurangabad had turned up in massive numbers at a stadium at  8 am, determined to sing the National Anthem in the highest numbers to take India into the Guinness World Records, which they did, successfully, led by entertainers like Shankar Mahadevan, Roopkumar and Sonali Rathod, actor Prashant Damle, singer Vaishali Samant, and several others. All, galvanised by Lokmat Media, which has a deep, emotional and enduring 30-year connect with Aurangabadkars.

And so strong was this pull, that not only was the entire seating space at the 45000-capacity stadium at Garkheda jampacked, but its huge ground too was overflowing with people standing shoulder-to-shoulder. Apart from the close to 1 lakh people inside the stadium, there were clost to another 50000 people outside the stadium gates, which had to be locked as there was absolutely no more room inside the stadium!

Actor Arbaaz Khan too was impressed. He said, “People don’t go to a stadium in such large numbers even for a cricket match. What I saw on the video was grand spectacle — a massive crowd of people, full of patriotism, with the Tricolour fluttering proudly… I watched it all, amazed, and loved what I saw! I haven’t seen a crowd like that even in a super metro like Mumbai. I actually told all my friends about it. I congratulate Lokmat for having organised it, and even more so, I say congratulations to everyone in Aurangabad who was present there.”

Actor Anupam Kher’s reaction too was equally heartfelt. He said, “While watching the world record attempt at Aurangabad, I was reminded of the days when public voting was on to get the Taj Mahal listed as one of the seven wonders of the world. Our people voted with such fervour that our Taj became the Number One wonder of the world. There are very few such moments when you experience such a spectacular feeling of nationalism. I was spellbound watching the Lokmat event scenes in Aurangabad, and I shall always remember them. So far, I used to watch people in cinema halls respectfully stand at attention when the national anthem was played before a film. But the AUrangabad event had a special purpose: to get the world record for our National Anthem for India, and we achieved it. Forget about the numbers; I salute the feeling (I saw that day) which tells us that even though it is often silent, our public will definitely step forward for the Nation, as one, whenever the need arises. Congratulations to Lokmat and everyone else.”

Singer Shankar Mahadevan, who was there, leading the other celebs, the Lokmat family, and the people in singing the National Anthem: “I congratulate Lokmat on this unbelievable initiative! Even in cricket matches one hasn’t seen such massive audiences. It was a stadium with a 45000 seating capacity. The seats were jampacked, and then there were thousands upon thousand of people, more than those seated, who were standing on every square-foot of the ground too. Even though I landed pretty early in Aurangabad,  I was delayed by more than an hour, just trying to get to the stadium from the airport! The roads were packed with people, students, families, youngsters, elderly people, walking, cycling, on two-wheelers, in overcrowded public transport buses. There must have been at least 40000 people outside the stadium, because the gates were locked as there was no space inside! I saw a really strong physical manifestation of patriotism there. It was awesome! I’m really glad I was there to be part of the historic day. Congrats to all the Aurangabadkars and Lokmat for this. It was a great achievement!”

“What I watched on video was truly amazing!” said actor Sunil Shetty. “The manner in
which thousands upon thousands of people got together to sing the National Anthem. I congratulate everyone who took part in the event, and my congratulations to the entire nation on setting this world record. I have known the Lokmat family for long now, and they keep doing good work for society and the Nation. Congratulations to all once again.”

Yesteryears actor Manoj Kumar said, “This (record and huge turnout) is a matter of pride for every Indian. I salute the Lokmat group for this initiative, which helped India achieve the world record.”

Director-Choreographer Farha Khan said, “I was very happy to know that India now has the world record for the maximum number of people singing the National Anthem together. Congratulations to everyone.”

Comedian Johnny Lever said, “Wow, it is wonderful to know we now have this great record in India’s name. I pray to God that this record remains in India, always. Congratulations to everyone.”

 

 

Director Subhash Ghai said, “Congratulations to Lokmat for the massive event they put up, which was so instrumental in getting such a grand record for India. I really felt proud when I heard the news (that we now have the record)”

 

Music director Ismail Darbar said, “I don’t know how  many people would even know that this record was so far with Pakistan. But we should have got our name on it long back. I don’t bother about the numbers, but I must congratulate Lokmat, which did this for India.”

Actor Jackie Shroff said, “I still have the goose bumps from remembering what I watched on video. Hundreds of Tricolours, and thousands of people all around, everywhere. What was particularly heartwarming was the thought that even today, people respect the importance and dignity of our National Flag and Anthem. For me, singing the National Anthem together is the big thing; even bigger than setting a record. And anyways, I always knew we would break that record of 5000-odd (held by Pakistan). I must say the best thing was that due to Lokmat, so many people got together to sing the National Anthem together. Jai Hind!”

From Mediamatters.org: #CNN Contributor On Marines Urinating On Dead Bodies: “I’d Drop Trou And Do It Too”

UPDATED: CNN Contributor On Marines Urinating On Dead Bodies: “ Supposed To Be A Scandal“ ? “ I’d Drop Trou And Do It Too“.

Cannes Lions announces Tham Khai Meng as 2012 Film And Press Jury President

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity announced that Tham Khai Meng, Worldwide Chief Creative Officer of Ogilvy & Mather, will head up both, the Film and Press Juries,  at the 59th Festival, taking place in Cannes, France, 17-23 June 2012.

Tham Khai Meng, says Advertising Age,  is ‘one of the world’s most influential people in the communications business’.

Making his mark at Leo Burnett London, he then progressed to Batey Ads where his work as creative director for Singapore Airlines is still regarded as a textbook case on brand building. He joined Ogilvy & Mather in 2000 as Regional Creative Director and Co-Chairman of its Asia Pacific network. The creative transformation he instituted led him to be named ‘Creative Director of the Year’ for seven years running by Campaign Brief Asia. Khai was inducted into the Campaign Brief Hall of Fame in 2008.

In 2009, Khai moved to New York to assume the duties of Worldwide Chief Creative Officer and Chairman of the Worldwide Creative Council at Ogilvy & Mather.

Khai has won every major advertising award, and the roster of accounts he has worked on represents a catalogue of the world’s greatest brands, including American Express, Cadbury’s, Coca-Cola, China Mobile, H. J. Heinz, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Kraft Foods, Mercedes-Benz, McDonald’s, Toyota, The Economist, Unilever Dove and United Nations, among others.

Khai has chaired many jury panels including serving as a Cannes Lions juror on the Press and Outdoor Lions in 2003, the Press Lions in 2007, the Titanium & Integrated Lions in 2010, and as President of the Film, Print, Outdoor, Radio and Integrated juries for the Dubai International Advertising Festival in 2009. He has won countless awards and grands prix over the years from every major show including Cannes Lions, D&AD, The One Show, the Clio Awards and London International Awards.

More recently, Khai’s counsel has been sought outside the industry. He has addressed the World Economic Forum (WEF), worked with the UN Secretary-General, and served on the Singapore Prime Minister’s Economic Review Committee. He is a faculty member at Steinbeis University, Berlin, and a board member of Agencies in Action, a non-profit organisation that helps feed the hungry in New York City.

Commenting on his appointment Khai said, “Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity is the preeminent standard bearer for creative distinction in our industry. I am deeply honoured to be invited to chair the Film and Press juries and I look forward to working with some of the world’s foremost creatives. Our role is not only to champion industry ideals, but to celebrate the brave ones who have deployed the highest creativity in the service of business.”

Philip Thomas, CEO of Cannes Lions, added, “Khai has been a big part of Cannes for a number of years now. Whether as a jury member, a speaker or simply picking up numerous Lions, his stature within the industry is undisputed. Chairing two juries is no easy task but Khai’s dedication and experience will be invaluable in both leading the juries and finding the winners. We are delighted to welcome him on board again.”

About the 59th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, 17-23 June 2012, Cannes, France:

The International Festival of Creativity, also known as Cannes Lions, is the world’s leading celebration of creativity in communications. Founded in 1954, the Festival takes place every June in Cannes, France.

As the most prestigious international annual advertising and communications awards, over 28,800 entries from all over the world are showcased and judged at the Festival. Winning companies receive the highly coveted Lion trophy honouring the most creative Film, Print, Outdoor, Interactive, Radio, Design, Promo& Activation, Film craft and Integrated advertising, as well as the best Media, Direct, PR, Titanium and Creative Effectiveness ideas.

The Festival is also the only truly global meeting place for advertisers, advertising and communication professionals. Close to 9,500 delegates from 95 countries attend seven days of exhibitions, screenings, as well as 57 high-profile seminars, 20 workshops and master classes presented by renowned worldwide industry leaders. As the networking and learning opportunity of the year, Cannes Lions is the must-attend event for anyone involved in brand communication.

Consumer complaint against #Vodafone Mumbai

You won’t believe this. Vodafone Mumbai has threatened legal action against me for not paying for a number that I had already asked them to deactivate, after having cleared its dues and writing to them, and not having used it for a single day thereafter! And this to a customer who’s been with them for many years now, with three post-paid direct debit payment numbers.

Any consumer guidance forums want to help?  Here’s the background:

I had bought a number, 9619191204, from the 4 Bungalows Vodafone store in Mumbai some time back last year, but wasn’t really using it, so I went back to the same Vodafone Store on Saturday, 06 August, 2011, and paid off all the outstanding amounts on it vide invoice no 5167 and TID no 17038020 at 12:05:21 hrs at the same centre.

I asked the customer service exec there to deactivate the card as I did  not want to avail of the services any longer.  I was told to send  a mail to vodafonecare.mum@vodafone.com, which I sent from my blackberry (at 12:14 — only 8 minutes after I had paid all the dues for the number) (See grab of my mail to Vodafone from my gmail account).

I did not use the card thereafter.

But to my surprise, every month, a hapless, ill-informed bill payments follow up executive would call me, very sincerely, very earnestly, and ask me to pay the outstanding bill.  I told them I had (a)Paid all the dues, and had immediately written to Vodafone to deactivate the card on the suggestion of the customer care person at the Vodafone Store at 4 Bungalows Mumbai.

The caller would say, “Sorry sir, I will check with the concerned department,” but each month, I would have another caller calling me up with the same request and the same apologetic closing line.

And then, in end-December 2011, I received a legal notice from a High Court Advocate, initials Mr HSG, saying I had been “intentionally delaying and defaulting in making the payments” for the said number, and threatening me with legal action unless I pay the amount (some Rs 879-odd) with interest at 18%.

I have actually a Vodafone customer for several years, even before it was rechristened to Vodafone, and have had three post-paid numbers of Vodafone active since a few years now, for which I pay by automatic debit from my bank account.

But now, I will kick my relationship with Vodafone in the teeth, port out all three of my post-paid numbers (plus a fourth pre-paid one for little daughter uses), and also approach the relevant consumer forum to sue them for mental anguish and more. They have defamed me by adding my name to a list – however private — of defaulters liable to be sued.

I am also writing to the Vodafone MD and Head of Corp Comm, plus the consumer forum, of course, with an attachment of the email grab you see here.

I had always thought the cute little pug of Vodafone campaigns was supposed to personify care and attention and not that one has to behave like a dog.

If Vodafone has a web services team — and only if it is a million times more capable than their inept customer service folks — if will see this post and get back to me. Let’s see. I will consider my options.

And if you have any similar customer complaint and how you resolved it, share your experience here. To help others who might just decide, busy or not, it is time to eke out some time to set things right.

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Pls note that all the views and comments  I post here are my own, in my personal capacity, and do not at any point in time or in any way reflect the views or beliefs of the company I am working for.

The obituary of common sense

This amazing obit of Common Sense is by an unknown author, and even though it has a US social perspective, I daresay it is universally applicable.

Here goes. Think, fret over and emoan the death of Common Sense.

Obituary:

Today we mourn the passing of an old friend, by the name of “Common Sense.”
Common Sense lived a long life but died in the United States from heart failure on the brink of the new millennium. No one really knows how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He selflessly devoted his life to service in schools, hospitals, homes, factories helping folks get jobs done without fanfare and foolishness. For decades, petty rules, silly laws, and frivolous
lawsuits held no power over Common Sense. He was credited with cultivating such valued lessons as to know when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, and that life isn’t
always fair.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you! earn), reliable parenting strategies (the adults are in charge, not the kids), and it’s okay to come in second. A veteran of the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, and the Technological Revolution, Common Sense survived cultural and educational trends including body piercing, whole language, and “new math.” But his health declined when he
became infected with the “If-it-only helps-one-person-it’s-worth-it” virus.

In recent decades his waning strength proved no match for the ravages of well intentioned but overbearing regulations. He watched in pain as good people became ruled by self-seeking lawyers. His health rapidly deteriorated when schools endlessly implemented zero-tolerance policies. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, a tee suspended for taking a swig of mouthwash after lunch, and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student only worsened his condition.

It declined even further when schools had to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student but could not inform the parent when a female student was pregnant or wanted an abortion.

Finally, Common Sense lost his will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses, criminals received better treatment than victims, and federal
judges stuck their noses in everything from the Boy Scouts to professional sports. Finally, when a woman, too stupid to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, was awarded a huge settlement, Common Sense threw in the towel.

As the end neared, Common Sense drifted in and out of logic but was kept informed of developments regarding questionable regulations such as those for low flow toilets, rocking chairs, and stepladders.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by two stepbrothers: My Rights, and Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

-Obituary author unknown.